When Hector Blanco Gavillan began considering his college options, financial constraints meant he had to stay close to home and work while studying. “I didn’t apply to many schools because out-of-state or even dorm living just wasn’t an option for me,” said Blanco, a civil engineering graduate of the University of Central Florida (UCF). “I had to work, I had to stay close and I had to keep costs down.”
Blanco started at Seminole State College in 2013 and found a pathway through DirectConnect to UCF, which guarantees admission for students who complete their associate degrees at partner state colleges. “DirectConnect to UCF gave me confidence,” he said. “I didn’t have to worry if my credits would transfer or if I’d be accepted. I knew I had a guaranteed pathway, and that let me focus on finishing my degree while balancing school and work.”
DirectConnect to UCF marks its 20th anniversary this year. The program began in 2005 with four partner colleges and has expanded into a consortium of seven institutions as of Fall 2025, when Indian River State College joined the partnership. The other partners include College of Central Florida, Daytona State College, Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College, and Valencia College.
The program allows students who earn their associate degrees from these colleges guaranteed admission to UCF. It also offers cost savings—students save about 25% on average by attending a state college before transferring—and provides support through the DirectConnect Success Team.
Since its inception, more than 79,000 UCF degrees have been awarded through DirectConnect. Each year, over 5,000 new students use the program as an entry point into higher education.
“Opportunity should be within reach. DirectConnect to UCF provides students a guided path, dedicated support and the momentum they need to thrive at UCF,” said Kim Hardy, assistant vice provost for UCF Connect.
Kristina Lavallee ’13 transferred from Valencia and later started her own business with her husband. She credited the program with opening doors: “DirectConnect makes college possible for students who might not otherwise see it within reach. It takes away the unknowns.”
Students participating in DirectConnect come from diverse backgrounds across Central Florida. For some like Blanco Gavillan, smaller class sizes at state colleges provided needed support; others valued the flexibility during personal or professional transitions.
“I don’t know if I ever would have graduated without DirectConnect,” said Trevor Rigby ’08, who balanced music pursuits with academics. “With DirectConnect you can create a tangible plan. It’s a map to see where you’re going so you’re not just wandering in the dark.”
For Doris Vega Baez ’09, affordability and seamless credit transfers were key benefits: “Without it, I might have just done a certificate here or there,” she said. “Instead, I have UCF on my resume and a career I love.”
As the program celebrates two decades of operation and welcomes its newest partner institution, university officials say they remain committed to expanding access for transfer students.
“If you think college is out of reach, DirectConnect shows you it’s not,” Blanco said.
